A prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong on Wednesday invoked Mahatma Gandhi as he compared Hong Kong's democracy movement to India's freedom struggle from colonial Britain. Lee Cheuk yan, the pro-democracy activist, made a defiant speech at the time of his sentencing at Hong Kong court. He defended his decision to take part in a banned Tiananmen vigil held in Hong Kong last year.

Lee Cheuk-yan is one of eight &nbsp;pro-democracy figures on trial for joining the vigil.

"We are all followers of Gandhi's idea of non-violent struggle, hoping to bring democratic reforms to Hong Kong," he said, occasionally choking back sobs.

"Now that I am imprisoned as Gandhi was, I will learn to be as fearless as Gandhi was."

The veteran activist and labour rights organiser said he had "no regrets" about defying the police ban.

"If I must go to jail to affirm my will, then so be it," Lee said at the close of his speech.

Lee (64) was in Beijing during the 1989 crackdown against democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square. He later became a leader of the Hong Kong Alliance

-- the group which organised huge candlelight vigils in the city each June to remember those killed.

For years Hong Kong was the one place in China where what happened in 1989 could still be publicly remembered. 
But China is currently remoulding the business hub in its own authoritarian image after huge and often violent democracy protests two years ago.

Commemorating Tiananmen has been effectively outlawed by a new national security law designed to crush dissent. 
The Hong Kong Alliance disbanded earlier this year after some of its key leaders were charged with subversion under the security law while a Tiananmen museum the group ran was raided by police.

More than 150 people have been arrested under the security law -- mostly for their political beliefs and speech -- and around half are being prosecuted.

Six of the eight defendants on trial for last year's Tiananmen vigil were already in jail before proceedings began, including Lee.

Three defendants -- jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the alliance's vice chair Chow Hang-tung and journalist-turned activist Gwyneth Ho -- have pleaded not guilty.

The trial verdicts and sentencing will be handed down next month.

(With inputs from agencies)

A prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong on Wednesday invoked Mahatma Gandhi as he compared Hong Kong's democracy movement to India's freedom struggle from colonial Britain.

A prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong on Wednesday invoked Mahatma Gandhi as he compared Hong Kong's democracy movement to India's freedom struggle from colonial Britain. Lee Cheuk yan, the pro-democracy activist, made a defiant speech at the time of his sentencing at Hong Kong court. He defended his decision to take part in a banned Tiananmen vigil held in Hong Kong last year. Lee Cheuk-yan is one of eight pro-democracy figures on trial for joining the vigil. "We are all followers of Gandhi's idea of non-violent struggle, hoping to bring democratic reforms to Hong Kong," he said, occasionally choking back sobs. "Now that I am imprisoned as Gandhi was, I will learn to be as fearless as Gandhi was." The veteran activist and labour rights organiser said he had "no regrets" about defying the police ban. "If I must go to jail to affirm my will, then so be it," Lee said at the close of his speech. Lee (64) was in Beijing during the 1989 crackdown against democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square. He later became a leader of the Hong Kong Alliance -- the group which organised huge candlelight vigils in the city each June to remember those killed. For years Hong Kong was the one place in China where what happened in 1989 could still be publicly remembered. But China is currently remoulding the business hub in its own authoritarian image after huge and often violent democracy protests two years ago. Commemorating Tiananmen has been effectively outlawed by a new national security law designed to crush dissent. The Hong Kong Alliance disbanded earlier this year after some of its key leaders were charged with subversion under the security law while a Tiananmen museum the group ran was raided by police. More than 150 people have been arrested under the security law -- mostly for their political beliefs and speech -- and around half are being prosecuted. Six of the eight defendants on trial for last year's Tiananmen vigil were already in jail before proceedings began, including Lee. Three defendants -- jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the alliance's vice chair Chow Hang-tung and journalist-turned activist Gwyneth Ho -- have pleaded not guilty. The trial verdicts and sentencing will be handed down next month. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong: Pro-democracy Tiananmen vigil leader invokes Gandhi at sentencing

Hong Kong police evacuated 32 people from the city's West Kowloon Court and deployed explosive disposal experts, they said on Tuesday (November 16). The city's government later issued a statement saying it "deplores" intimidation of judges.

Hong Kong judges have been at times criticised by both pro-Beijing and democracy supporters in a city deeply divided following prolonged anti-government unrest in 2019.

Decisions in the global financial hub's courts are scrutinised around the world amid fears that Beijing's imposition of a sweeping national security law in response to the protests is eroding the rule of law, a claim authorities vehemently deny.

Hong Kong police evacuated 32 people from the city's West Kowloon Court and deployed explosive disposal experts, they said on Tuesday (November 16). The city's government later issued a statement saying it "deplores" intimidation of judges.

Hong Kong police evacuated 32 people from the city's West Kowloon Court and deployed explosive disposal experts, they said on Tuesday (November 16). The city's government later issued a statement saying it "deplores" intimidation of judges. Hong Kong judges have been at times criticised by both pro-Beijing and democracy supporters in a city deeply divided following prolonged anti-government unrest in 2019. Decisions in the global financial hub's courts are scrutinised around the world amid fears that Beijing's imposition of a sweeping national security law in response to the protests is eroding the rule of law, a claim authorities vehemently deny.

Hong Kong police evacuate 32 people from court, deploy explosive experts

Jens Dalschiot, Danish sculptor of a statue commemorating pro-democracy protesters during Tiananmen Square crackdown in China (1989) has asked Hong Kong authorities for immunity from national security law so that he can come and take back the sculpture to Denmark.

Galschiot had loaned the sculpture, called "Pillar of Shame" to a local civil society group the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, in perpetuity.

The statue is made of Bronze and weighs two tonnes. In an open letter on Friday, Galschiot values the statue at around USD 1.4 million. He says that he was willing to take it back to Denmark, but that his presence in Hong Kong was necessary for the complex operation to go well.

<img alt="Sculptor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7a8f2ad-ce2c-4ced-a177-fedfe68d86e7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sculptor.jpg" />

Cooperation from the university and city authorities for technical assistance, roadblocks and permits was also needed, he said.

Additionally, Galschiot asked for assurances that he would not be prosecuted under a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 to punish what it sees as subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

"I can understand from the press that the introduction of the new security legislation in Hong Kong means that there is a legal basis for arresting foreign nationals who engage in activities that criticise China," Galschiot wrote.

The statue's removal "will lead to activities and media coverage that could be perceived as criticism of China. Therefore, I will have to get a guarantee that my employees and I will not be prosecuted."

The university, the government's Security Bureau, and the Immigration Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The university gave the Alliance a deadline for the statue's removal, which expired a month ago. It said at the time it was seeking legal advice on what to do with it.

Democratic activists and some Western governments say the security law is a tool to silence dissent and push Hong Kong firmly on an authoritarian path. Chinese and city authorities maintain Hong Kong is still governed by the rule of law and individual rights and freedoms remain intact.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jens Dalschiot, Danish sculptor of a statue commemorating pro-democracy protesters during Tiananmen Square crackdown in China (1989) has asked Hong Kong authorities for immunity from national security law so that he can come and take back the sculpture to Denmark.

Jens Dalschiot, Danish sculptor of a statue commemorating pro-democracy protesters during Tiananmen Square crackdown in China (1989) has asked Hong Kong authorities for immunity from national security law so that he can come and take back the sculpture to Denmark. Galschiot had loaned the sculpture, called "Pillar of Shame" to a local civil society group the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, in perpetuity. The statue is made of Bronze and weighs two tonnes. In an open letter on Friday, Galschiot values the statue at around USD 1.4 million. He says that he was willing to take it back to Denmark, but that his presence in Hong Kong was necessary for the complex operation to go well. Cooperation from the university and city authorities for technical assistance, roadblocks and permits was also needed, he said. Additionally, Galschiot asked for assurances that he would not be prosecuted under a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 to punish what it sees as subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. "I can understand from the press that the introduction of the new security legislation in Hong Kong means that there is a legal basis for arresting foreign nationals who engage in activities that criticise China," Galschiot wrote. The statue's removal "will lead to activities and media coverage that could be perceived as criticism of China. Therefore, I will have to get a guarantee that my employees and I will not be prosecuted." The university, the government's Security Bureau, and the Immigration Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The university gave the Alliance a deadline for the statue's removal, which expired a month ago. It said at the time it was seeking legal advice on what to do with it. Democratic activists and some Western governments say the security law is a tool to silence dissent and push Hong Kong firmly on an authoritarian path. Chinese and city authorities maintain Hong Kong is still governed by the rule of law and individual rights and freedoms remain intact. (With inputs from agencies)

Tiananmen statue sculptor requests immunity from Hong Kong security law

Cheung Kim-hung, the chief executive officer of Hong Kong Media group Next Digital has been denied bail over the comments made by UK justice secretary Dominic Raab.

A court in Hong Kong said Cheung has ''close association'' with foreign political groups and pointed out he had been awarded a US congressional medal as well.

Judge Jose D’Almada Remedios said Cheung ''posted articles for making unfounded allegations against the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong police repeatedly.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-outbreak-of-bacteria-infection-reported-in-wet-markets-of-hong-kong-423002">Also read |&nbsp;New outbreak of bacteria infection reported in wet markets of Hong Kong</a>

Next Digital, owned by jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, is the publisher of Apple Daily, a popular pro-democracy newspaper that closed recently after its newsroom had been raided by 500 police officers investigating whether some articles breached the security law.

After the forced closure of Apple Daily, Raab had said that it was a ''tool to curtail freedoms and punish dissent,&nbsp;rather than keep public order.''

Earlier in June, Cheung was charged with ''collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security''&nbsp;under the region’s contentious national security law that has faced international condemnations and stoked fears over media freedoms in the financial hub.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-grants-bail-to-activist-charged-under-security-law-media-393112">Also read |&nbsp;Hong Kong court grants bail to activist charged under security law</a>

As part of his bail application, Cheung had offered to resign their roles at Apple Daily, not speak to media and foreign politicians and pay cash bail worth HK$3 million ($386,463.47).

The National Security Law punishes what Beijing broadly refers to as secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

Under the security law, the onus is on defendants to prove they will not pose a security threat if released on bail.

The arrests and scale of the Apple Daily raid have been criticised by Western nations, global rights groups, press associations, and the chief UN&nbsp;spokesperson for human rights.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cheung Kim-hung, the chief executive officer of Hong Kong Media group Next Digital has been denied bail over the comments made by UK justice secretary Dominic Raab.

Cheung Kim-hung, the chief executive officer of Hong Kong Media group Next Digital has been denied bail over the comments made by UK justice secretary Dominic Raab. A court in Hong Kong said Cheung has ''close association'' with foreign political groups and pointed out he had been awarded a US congressional medal as well. Judge Jose D’Almada Remedios said Cheung ''posted articles for making unfounded allegations against the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong police repeatedly.'' Also read | New outbreak of bacteria infection reported in wet markets of Hong Kong Next Digital, owned by jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai, is the publisher of Apple Daily, a popular pro-democracy newspaper that closed recently after its newsroom had been raided by 500 police officers investigating whether some articles breached the security law. After the forced closure of Apple Daily, Raab had said that it was a ''tool to curtail freedoms and punish dissent, rather than keep public order.'' Earlier in June, Cheung was charged with ''collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security'' under the region’s contentious national security law that has faced international condemnations and stoked fears over media freedoms in the financial hub. Also read | Hong Kong court grants bail to activist charged under security law As part of his bail application, Cheung had offered to resign their roles at Apple Daily, not speak to media and foreign politicians and pay cash bail worth HK$3 million ($386,463.47). The National Security Law punishes what Beijing broadly refers to as secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Under the security law, the onus is on defendants to prove they will not pose a security threat if released on bail. The arrests and scale of the Apple Daily raid have been criticised by Western nations, global rights groups, press associations, and the chief UN spokesperson for human rights. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong: Bail denied to Apple Daily's publisher over Dominic Raab's comments

A 20-year-old Hong Kong independence activist was facing life in prison Wednesday after becoming the youngest person convicted under the city's national security law, but told the court he had "nothing to be ashamed of".

Tony Chung had pleaded guilty to secession in the fourth case to come to trial under the sweeping new legislation, which authorities are using to snuff out dissent in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-backpedalling-on-climate-policies-after-biden-chided-jinping-426346">China lambasts US for 'backpedalling' on climate policies after Biden chided Jinping</a>

"I have nothing to be ashamed of," Chung said in court as he entered his plea.

Judge Stanley Chan then immediately warned Chung that no talk of politics would be allowed in the courtroom.

Chung is the former convenor of Student Localism, a small group that advocated Hong Kong's independence from China.

The group was founded in 2016 and disbanded its Hong Kong network shortly before Beijing imposed the security law in 2020, but it has kept its overseas chapters going.

The prosecution said the group advocated that Hong Kong "get rid of the Chinese Communist colonial rule" and "build a Hong Kong republic".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-making-rapid-progress-in-development-of-silos-missiles-that-could-launch-nuclear-weapons-report-426276">China making rapid progress in development of silos missiles that could launch nuclear weapons: Report</a>

They disseminated their message through social media, street booths, calling on people to join protests and selling merchandise with independence messages.

Prosecutors said the group issued an appeal to the United States to pass a law imposing sanctions on Hong Kong and China.&nbsp;

The organisation also opposed the teaching of Mandarin, the form of Chinese commonly used throughout the mainland, in Hong Kong schools, the court heard.

Chung was also convicted of a money laundering charge Wednesday and in exchange the prosecution agreed to shelve a sedition charge as well as a second money laundering charge, both of which he pleaded not guilty to.

Authorities have previously said the security law is not retroactive but prosecutors cited numerous offences said to have taken place before the law took effect.

Chung has been in custody for over a year since he was arrested in a coffee shop just metres away from the US consulate in Hong Kong last October.

A little-known group calling itself Friends of Hong Kong put out a statement shortly after his arrest saying it had been trying to arrange for Chung to enter the US consulate that day and apply for asylum.

Last December Chung was sentenced to four months in jail for insulting China's national flag and unlawful assembly.&nbsp;

China imposed the national security law in response to massive and often violent democracy protests in Hong Kong two years ago, in a move that has brought mainland-style speech curbs to the once outspoken business hub.

The law covers offences China deems secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces or terrorism.

Four other men have so far been convicted in separate cases under the security law and more than 150 people have been arrested, with around half charged. Bail is often denied.

A 20-year-old Hong Kong independence activist was facing life in prison Wednesday after becoming the youngest person convicted under the city's national security law, but told the court he had "nothing to be ashamed of".

A 20-year-old Hong Kong independence activist was facing life in prison Wednesday after becoming the youngest person convicted under the city's national security law, but told the court he had "nothing to be ashamed of". Tony Chung had pleaded guilty to secession in the fourth case to come to trial under the sweeping new legislation, which authorities are using to snuff out dissent in the semi-autonomous Chinese city. Also Read | China lambasts US for 'backpedalling' on climate policies after Biden chided Jinping "I have nothing to be ashamed of," Chung said in court as he entered his plea. Judge Stanley Chan then immediately warned Chung that no talk of politics would be allowed in the courtroom. Chung is the former convenor of Student Localism, a small group that advocated Hong Kong's independence from China. The group was founded in 2016 and disbanded its Hong Kong network shortly before Beijing imposed the security law in 2020, but it has kept its overseas chapters going. The prosecution said the group advocated that Hong Kong "get rid of the Chinese Communist colonial rule" and "build a Hong Kong republic". Also Read | China making rapid progress in development of silos missiles that could launch nuclear weapons: Report They disseminated their message through social media, street booths, calling on people to join protests and selling merchandise with independence messages. Prosecutors said the group issued an appeal to the United States to pass a law imposing sanctions on Hong Kong and China. The organisation also opposed the teaching of Mandarin, the form of Chinese commonly used throughout the mainland, in Hong Kong schools, the court heard. Chung was also convicted of a money laundering charge Wednesday and in exchange the prosecution agreed to shelve a sedition charge as well as a second money laundering charge, both of which he pleaded not guilty to. Authorities have previously said the security law is not retroactive but prosecutors cited numerous offences said to have taken place before the law took effect. Chung has been in custody for over a year since he was arrested in a coffee shop just metres away from the US consulate in Hong Kong last October. A little-known group calling itself Friends of Hong Kong put out a statement shortly after his arrest saying it had been trying to arrange for Chung to enter the US consulate that day and apply for asylum. Last December Chung was sentenced to four months in jail for insulting China's national flag and unlawful assembly. China imposed the national security law in response to massive and often violent democracy protests in Hong Kong two years ago, in a move that has brought mainland-style speech curbs to the once outspoken business hub. The law covers offences China deems secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces or terrorism. Four other men have so far been convicted in separate cases under the security law and more than 150 people have been arrested, with around half charged. Bail is often denied.

Hong Kong activist becomes youngest convict under security law

Hong Kong authorities have passed a new law censuring films that it perceives to “endorse, support, glorify, encourage and incite activities that might endanger national security.”

The new censorship law is an extension of China’s national security law which was imposed in the restive city last year in response to the 2019 pro-democracy protests, in which most opposition politicians and activists were jailed, either under the new law or for other alleged crimes or have fled into exile.

The censorship law, which was passed on Wednesday by the city’s legislature, allows scrutiny of any titles that had previously been given a go-ahead.

It also empowers Hong Kong's chief secretary to revoke the screening license of past and current films that are deemed “contrary to the interests of national security”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-targetting-dissenting-voices-in-hong-kong-says-uk-392184">China 'targetting dissenting voices' in Hong Kong, says UK</a>

Punishment for violating the law included up to three years imprisonment and fines of up to HK$1 million ($128,400).

“The goal is very clear: it’s to improve the film censorship system, to prevent any act endangering the national security,” Commerce Secretary Edward Yau told the Legislative Council.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-minister-signals-path-to-adopting-china-anti-sanctions-law-404099">Hong Kong minister signals path to adopting China anti-sanctions law</a>

According to the law, film censorship inspectors can enter and search any premises suspected of displaying unlicensed movies without a warrant and titles which it deems as a security risk.

The law prohibits the victims from taking a legal course via the usual channels. Instead, they will now have to launch a judicial review in Hong Kong's courts, a long and costly legal procedure.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-communist-party-continues-its-crackdown-in-hong-kong-421221/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Yau said all the screenings, including physical and online—meaning Netflix, HBO, Amazon— are covered in the current law.

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The new censorship rules bring Hong Kong much closer to the Chinese mainland, where films are rigorously vetted and only a handful of Western movies or documentaries see a commercial release each year.

Historically, Hong Kong boasted a thriving film scene and for much of the latter half of the last century, Cantonese cinema was world-class.

The city still maintains some key studios, a handful of lauded directors and a thriving indie scene, but new political red lines are being drawn each month.

Since the new rules were announced one film director announced she had shelved her project because of cuts demanded by censors.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong authorities have passed a new law censuring films that it perceives to “endorse, support, glorify, encourage and incite activities that might endanger national security.

Hong Kong authorities have passed a new law censuring films that it perceives to “endorse, support, glorify, encourage and incite activities that might endanger national security.” The new censorship law is an extension of China’s national security law which was imposed in the restive city last year in response to the 2019 pro-democracy protests, in which most opposition politicians and activists were jailed, either under the new law or for other alleged crimes or have fled into exile. The censorship law, which was passed on Wednesday by the city’s legislature, allows scrutiny of any titles that had previously been given a go-ahead. It also empowers Hong Kong's chief secretary to revoke the screening license of past and current films that are deemed “contrary to the interests of national security”. Also read | China 'targetting dissenting voices' in Hong Kong, says UK Punishment for violating the law included up to three years imprisonment and fines of up to HK$1 million ($128,400). “The goal is very clear: it’s to improve the film censorship system, to prevent any act endangering the national security,” Commerce Secretary Edward Yau told the Legislative Council. Also read | Hong Kong minister signals path to adopting China anti-sanctions law According to the law, film censorship inspectors can enter and search any premises suspected of displaying unlicensed movies without a warrant and titles which it deems as a security risk. The law prohibits the victims from taking a legal course via the usual channels. Instead, they will now have to launch a judicial review in Hong Kong's courts, a long and costly legal procedure. Watch Yau said all the screenings, including physical and online—meaning Netflix, HBO, Amazon— are covered in the current law. Also read | Amid anti-government protests, Hong Kong celebrates 72nd Chinese National Day The new censorship rules bring Hong Kong much closer to the Chinese mainland, where films are rigorously vetted and only a handful of Western movies or documentaries see a commercial release each year. Historically, Hong Kong boasted a thriving film scene and for much of the latter half of the last century, Cantonese cinema was world-class. The city still maintains some key studios, a handful of lauded directors and a thriving indie scene, but new political red lines are being drawn each month. Since the new rules were announced one film director announced she had shelved her project because of cuts demanded by censors. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong passes law that can censor even past films, to safeguard 'national security'

Hong Kong promenade has been lit up by a giant pumpkin. The sculpture is part of a wider Halloween exhibition that has been unveiled to add some spooky excitement to 2021's post-lockdown celebrations.

Giant inflated Halloween pumpkin lights up Hong Kong harbour

Amnesty International on Monday said that it will shutter its Hong Kong offices because of the threat posed to staff by a national security law that has led to a sweeping crackdown.

Amnesty International on Monday said that it will shutter its Hong Kong offices because of the threat posed to staff by a national security law that has led to a sweeping crackdown. The decision came the same day as a court in the Chinese city convicted a former food delivery driver of inciting secession by shouting slogans in the second national security case to come to trial. Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, chair of Amnesty's board, said that the decision to close had been made "with a heavy heart" and was "driven by Hong Kong's national security law". "(It) has made it effectively impossible for human rights organisations in Hong Kong to work freely and without fear of serious reprisals from the government," she added. Amnesty maintains two offices in Hong Kong. One is a local branch that focuses on human rights and campaigns in the city. The recent reports included investigations into how the security law has been deployed and studies of the police's use of force against protesters. Also read | Russian cyberattack targeting hundreds of US networks, reveals Microsoft The second office is a regional headquarters that carries out research and advocacy work across East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Amnesty has said the local office would close on October 31 while the regional office would move out "by the end of 2021". Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path. Most high-profile democratic politicians and activists have been arrested under the new law or for protest-related charges, or are in self-exile.

'With a heavy heart': Amnesty to shut Hong Kong offices due to security law

The tourism industry - across the globe was pushed to get creative during the pandemic with the subsequent movement restrictions. We saw a boom in incentivised domestic tourism staycations and creative activities. Hong Kong has taken that a step further - sleepy Hong Kongers can now get on a snooze bus tour to relax and unwind at least that's what the organisers hope to achieve. Here's a report.

Hong Kong takes a step further in tourism

While the world continues its fight against the deadly coronavirus, another outbreak may have taken place in Hong Kong’s wet market.<o:p></o:p>

As per local reports, recently an outbreak of a potentially dangerous bacterial infection took place in Hong Kong. The outbreak was, as per initial investigations, linked to the freshwater fish being sold by some vendors in the city’s wet market.<o:p></o:p>

When the authorities caught wind of this news, medical experts advised all locals to not consume raw seafood for the next few days at least.<o:p></o:p>

The decision was taken after 79 cases of invasive Group B Streptococcus bacteria infection were detected in public hospitals. These cases had been spotted between a brief period of September and October 10.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-infection-is-spreading-from-hong-kongs-wet-markets-422778">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-infection-is-spreading-from-hong-kongs-wet-markets-422778/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, the toll increased to 88 and nine additional cases were reported of this bacterial infection by the Centre for Health Protection.<o:p></o:p>

As per now, experts have been able to link these cases to grass carp, bighead carp and snakehead fish. Businesses have been warned to take care while handling seafood.<o:p></o:p>

Lee Choi-wah, chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Seafood Merchants has also expressed concern over the possible losses that businesses might face due to this outbreak.<o:p></o:p>

"People may just go to supermarkets instead of wet markets to shop for fish because they may think supermarkets have better hygiene standards," Lee told a radio programme.<o:p></o:p>

While this infection — which is commonly seen in intestinal, urinary and reproductive tracts — does not cause major harm and does not bring in any symptoms, it can cause infections in bone, lungs, blood and also the protective membranes near the spinal cord and brain.<o:p></o:p>

As of now, two people have lost their fight to this infection’ they were reportedly carrying a strain known as serotype III sequence type 283 (ST283). Till Wednesday, 68 out of 88 patients had provided their specimens for genetic sequencing and 32 had ST283 and 27 had a different strain from a different cluster. Results of the remaining nine cases are yet to be announced.<o:p></o:p>

While the world continues its fight against the deadly coronavirus, another outbreak may have taken place in Hong Kong’s wet market. As per local reports, recently an outbreak of a potentially dangerous bacterial infection took place in Hong Kong.

While the world continues its fight against the deadly coronavirus, another outbreak may have taken place in Hong Kong’s wet market. As per local reports, recently an outbreak of a potentially dangerous bacterial infection took place in Hong Kong. The outbreak was, as per initial investigations, linked to the freshwater fish being sold by some vendors in the city’s wet market. When the authorities caught wind of this news, medical experts advised all locals to not consume raw seafood for the next few days at least. The decision was taken after 79 cases of invasive Group B Streptococcus bacteria infection were detected in public hospitals. These cases had been spotted between a brief period of September and October 10. WATCH | On Thursday, the toll increased to 88 and nine additional cases were reported of this bacterial infection by the Centre for Health Protection. As per now, experts have been able to link these cases to grass carp, bighead carp and snakehead fish. Businesses have been warned to take care while handling seafood. Lee Choi-wah, chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Seafood Merchants has also expressed concern over the possible losses that businesses might face due to this outbreak. "People may just go to supermarkets instead of wet markets to shop for fish because they may think supermarkets have better hygiene standards," Lee told a radio programme. While this infection — which is commonly seen in intestinal, urinary and reproductive tracts — does not cause major harm and does not bring in any symptoms, it can cause infections in bone, lungs, blood and also the protective membranes near the spinal cord and brain. As of now, two people have lost their fight to this infection’ they were reportedly carrying a strain known as serotype III sequence type 283 (ST283). Till Wednesday, 68 out of 88 patients had provided their specimens for genetic sequencing and 32 had ST283 and 27 had a different strain from a different cluster. Results of the remaining nine cases are yet to be announced.

New outbreak of bacteria infection reported in wet markets of Hong Kong

A new and potentially dangerous infection is spreading from Hong Kong's wet markets. Almost 80 cases have been found. At least 7 deaths have been linked to this outbreak. What is this disease? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: A new infection is spreading from Hong Kong's wet markets

Chinese Communist Party's crackdown in Hong Kong is continuing. Seven Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners, including former lawmakers, have been sentenced to up to 12 months in jail for their role in a protest last year.

Chinese Communist Party continues its crackdown in Hong Kong

Alibaba group founder Jack Ma has resurfaces in Hong Kong. According to reports Jack Ma met business associates in recent days. He has been largely out of public view since a clampdown by Chinese authorities on his business empire late last year.

Alibaba group founder Jack Ma resurfaces in Hong Kong

For more than 50 years, Ng Hong-lim has led celebrations in Hong Kong to mark Taiwan's national day -– but this year he fears doing so could get him arrested.

"I don't think there will be another chance," Ng sighed. "It's really regrettable."&nbsp;

October 10 -- known as "Double Ten" -- marks the anniversary of the 1911 uprising which ushered in a new Republic of China (ROC).

After losing China's civil war to the communists in 1949, the Kuomintang (KMT) fled to Taiwan, where the mantle of the republic lived on -- along with its national holiday.

In Hong Kong, KMT supporters have long displayed Taiwanese flags and marked the day in grand style.

Communist China has long recognised the date's broader historical significance, but officials in Hong Kong are now loath to allow open displays of pro-Taiwan sentiment, as efforts to snuff out any hint of public opposition grow.

Hong Kong's security chief Chris Tang last month warned that celebrating the "Double Ten" could constitute support for Taiwanese independence -- a crime under the city's draconian new security law.

But Ng says the festivity bears no link with separatism.

"Now we are not allowed to express it, but we still remember it in our hearts," the octogenarian told AFP at a pro-KMT union office in Hong Kong, where an ROC flag and portrait of Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen are displayed.

Born on the Chinese mainland, Ng fled to Hong Kong in the 1950s.

At the age of 15, he left for Taiwan and joined the army in hopes of defending the ROC -- to which he still pledges unwavering allegiance.

Following security chief Tang's warning last month, restaurant bookings for more than 100 tables by Ng's group was abruptly cancelled.&nbsp;

Hong Konger Lee Kwok-keung has fond childhood memories of boisterous "Double Ten" celebrations.

"Lots of blue-sky clear-sun flags were hung up, covering mountains and streets," Lee, chairman of a pro-KMT trade union, told AFP, referring to the Taiwanese flag.

Those flags disappeared from the streets following Hong Kong's handover to China in 1997, but were permitted at mini-galas, where KMT stalwarts would sing patriotic songs and bow to the portrait of Sun.

'Always supported unification'

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting unification, by force if necessary.

There, the KMT -- now in opposition -- is seen as a pro-China party.

"We have always supported unification and opposed separatism," said Lee.

"If one bans us from holding celebratory events and says celebrating October 10 is separating Taiwan from China, that's adding a crime on us."

Sorting piles of photos from the days he soldiered in Taiwan, Ng said he had no choice but to do nothing on October 10.

Both Lee and Ng said they would not "test the red lines" under the national security law, but still hope to commemorate the day in the future.

For more than 50 years, Ng Hong-lim has led celebrations in Hong Kong to mark Taiwan's national day -– but this year he fears doing so could get him arrested. "I don't think there will be another chance," Ng sighed.

For more than 50 years, Ng Hong-lim has led celebrations in Hong Kong to mark Taiwan's national day -– but this year he fears doing so could get him arrested. "I don't think there will be another chance," Ng sighed. "It's really regrettable." October 10 -- known as "Double Ten" -- marks the anniversary of the 1911 uprising which ushered in a new Republic of China (ROC). After losing China's civil war to the communists in 1949, the Kuomintang (KMT) fled to Taiwan, where the mantle of the republic lived on -- along with its national holiday. In Hong Kong, KMT supporters have long displayed Taiwanese flags and marked the day in grand style. Communist China has long recognised the date's broader historical significance, but officials in Hong Kong are now loath to allow open displays of pro-Taiwan sentiment, as efforts to snuff out any hint of public opposition grow. Hong Kong's security chief Chris Tang last month warned that celebrating the "Double Ten" could constitute support for Taiwanese independence -- a crime under the city's draconian new security law. But Ng says the festivity bears no link with separatism. "Now we are not allowed to express it, but we still remember it in our hearts," the octogenarian told AFP at a pro-KMT union office in Hong Kong, where an ROC flag and portrait of Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen are displayed. Born on the Chinese mainland, Ng fled to Hong Kong in the 1950s. At the age of 15, he left for Taiwan and joined the army in hopes of defending the ROC -- to which he still pledges unwavering allegiance. Following security chief Tang's warning last month, restaurant bookings for more than 100 tables by Ng's group was abruptly cancelled. Hong Konger Lee Kwok-keung has fond childhood memories of boisterous "Double Ten" celebrations. "Lots of blue-sky clear-sun flags were hung up, covering mountains and streets," Lee, chairman of a pro-KMT trade union, told AFP, referring to the Taiwanese flag. Those flags disappeared from the streets following Hong Kong's handover to China in 1997, but were permitted at mini-galas, where KMT stalwarts would sing patriotic songs and bow to the portrait of Sun. 'Always supported unification' China regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting unification, by force if necessary. There, the KMT -- now in opposition -- is seen as a pro-China party. "We have always supported unification and opposed separatism," said Lee. "If one bans us from holding celebratory events and says celebrating October 10 is separating Taiwan from China, that's adding a crime on us." Sorting piles of photos from the days he soldiered in Taiwan, Ng said he had no choice but to do nothing on October 10. Both Lee and Ng said they would not "test the red lines" under the national security law, but still hope to commemorate the day in the future.

Fear of arrest in Hong Kong over Taiwan national day

In what can be another blow to reputation of China's debt-laden Evergrande, Hong Kong stock exchange said that it had suspended trading in its shares. The action has come days after some bondholders said the property developed had missed the second payment of interest on bonds. The Evergrande crisis is at the center of jitters in China's financial system.

Hong Kong stock exchange did not say why stock trading had been halted. It was unclear who had initiated the suspension.

Evergrande's liabilities make it the most indebted property firm in the world. The debts stretch into hundreds of billions of dollars. This makes it equal to 2 per cent of Chinese GDP. &nbsp;Initial worries have eased somewhat after China's central bank vowed to protect homebuyers' interests.

Shares in Evergrande have plunged 80% so far this year, while its property services unit has dropped 43% as the group scrambles to raise funds to pay its many lenders and suppliers.

In what can be another blow to reputation of China's debt-laden Evergrande, Hong Kong stock exchange said that it had suspended trading in its shares. The action has come days after some bondholders said the property developed had missed the second payment of interest on bonds.

In what can be another blow to reputation of China's debt-laden Evergrande, Hong Kong stock exchange said that it had suspended trading in its shares. The action has come days after some bondholders said the property developed had missed the second payment of interest on bonds. The Evergrande crisis is at the center of jitters in China's financial system. Hong Kong stock exchange did not say why stock trading had been halted. It was unclear who had initiated the suspension. Evergrande's liabilities make it the most indebted property firm in the world. The debts stretch into hundreds of billions of dollars. This makes it equal to 2 per cent of Chinese GDP. Initial worries have eased somewhat after China's central bank vowed to protect homebuyers' interests. Shares in Evergrande have plunged 80% so far this year, while its property services unit has dropped 43% as the group scrambles to raise funds to pay its many lenders and suppliers.

Hong Kong Stock Exchange halts trading of Evergrande shares

On Friday,&nbsp;Hong Kong celebrated the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with a flag-raising ceremony and reception hosted by Chief Executive Carrie Lam,&nbsp;as a small group of activists took to the streets surrounded by police.

Speaking at the reception, Lam said that, "Hong Kong has truly embarked on the right track of the 'one country, two systems' policy under the dual protection of Hong Kong's National Security Law and the electoral system reform,".

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The ceremony in Hong Kong's Golden Bauhinia Square came amid a string of anti-government protests. People have been taking to the streets against Beijing’s National Security Law and the Chinese government's crackdown on dissent.

A public broadcaster RTHK, citing sources familiar with the matter reported that in readiness for possible protests during the October 1 festivities, more than 8,000 officers have been deployed throughout the city.

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A small group of pro-democracy protestors attempted to march in the streets, but were surrounded by police officers.

One of the activists was quoted by Reuters as saying "I believe Hong Kong should be the only place in China where we can express opinions outside the mainstream. Our appeal is simple: give rights back to the people, implement universal suffrage throughout the country and release all political prisoners. Today is the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. We demand that the Xi Jinping regime fulfill Article 2 of the Chinese Constitution, "Rights belong to the people", and we urge it to implement universal suffrage throughout the country and release all political prisoners."

In 2019, Hong Kong was ravaged by large and often violent democracy protests. China responded by enacting a new national security law that criminalized much dissent and launched a campaign against those deemed disloyal in the city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-tiananmen-vigil-organiser-disbands-416056">Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil organiser disbands</a>

The law has led to the arrest of more than 90 people, as well as the dissolution of dozens of civil society organizations, including unions and parties. The most recent such dissolution is of&nbsp;The Hong Kong Alliance,&nbsp;a pro-democracy group that organised three decades of vigils commemorating the victims of Beijing's&nbsp;Tiananmen&nbsp;Square crackdown.

United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken also congratulated the country. A&nbsp;statement published on the US Department of State website&nbsp;says "On behalf of the United States of America, I would like to extend our congratulations to the people of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the country celebrates its National Day on October 1."

"As the United States seeks to work cooperatively to solve the challenges we all face, we wish the people of the PRC&nbsp;peace, happiness, and prosperity over the coming year."

(With inputs from agencies)

On Friday, Hong Kong celebrated the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with a flag-raising ceremony and reception hosted by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as a small group of activists took to the streets surrounded by police.

On Friday, Hong Kong celebrated the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with a flag-raising ceremony and reception hosted by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, as a small group of activists took to the streets surrounded by police. Speaking at the reception, Lam said that, "Hong Kong has truly embarked on the right track of the 'one country, two systems' policy under the dual protection of Hong Kong's National Security Law and the electoral system reform,". Also read | Hong Kong Is holding elections. It wants them to look real. The ceremony in Hong Kong's Golden Bauhinia Square came amid a string of anti-government protests. People have been taking to the streets against Beijing’s National Security Law and the Chinese government's crackdown on dissent. A public broadcaster RTHK, citing sources familiar with the matter reported that in readiness for possible protests during the October 1 festivities, more than 8,000 officers have been deployed throughout the city. Also read | Iron curtain falls on Hong Kong cinema as censors demand cuts A small group of pro-democracy protestors attempted to march in the streets, but were surrounded by police officers. One of the activists was quoted by Reuters as saying "I believe Hong Kong should be the only place in China where we can express opinions outside the mainstream. Our appeal is simple: give rights back to the people, implement universal suffrage throughout the country and release all political prisoners. Today is the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. We demand that the Xi Jinping regime fulfill Article 2 of the Chinese Constitution, "Rights belong to the people", and we urge it to implement universal suffrage throughout the country and release all political prisoners." In 2019, Hong Kong was ravaged by large and often violent democracy protests. China responded by enacting a new national security law that criminalized much dissent and launched a campaign against those deemed disloyal in the city. Also read | Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil organiser disbands The law has led to the arrest of more than 90 people, as well as the dissolution of dozens of civil society organizations, including unions and parties. The most recent such dissolution is of The Hong Kong Alliance, a pro-democracy group that organised three decades of vigils commemorating the victims of Beijing's Tiananmen Square crackdown. United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken also congratulated the country. A statement published on the US Department of State website says "On behalf of the United States of America, I would like to extend our congratulations to the people of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the country celebrates its National Day on October 1." "As the United States seeks to work cooperatively to solve the challenges we all face, we wish the people of the PRC peace, happiness, and prosperity over the coming year." (With inputs from agencies)

Amid anti-government protests, Hong Kong celebrates 72nd Chinese National Day

A Hong Kong pro-democracy group that used to organise the annual June 4 vigils for victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident has decided to disband amid intensifying government crackdown.

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China reached the decision at an emergency meeting on Saturday, reported NHK World.

The group organises a candlelight vigil as a symbol of Hong Kong's enduring freedoms.

The alliance was established in 1989 just before the Tiananmen Square incident with the goal of showing solidarity with student protesters.

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people died when the People's Liberation Army was deployed to crackdown on protesters in Beijing, and the 1989 Tiananmen massacre sent shockwaves around the world.

Masses of Hong Kong political figures signed petitions or published statements of condemnation.Over the years, however, many have risen in politics as pro-Beijing figures or taken government positions, growing more tight-lipped about China's political scar.

The Communist Party has still yet to account for the incident and it suppresses all mention of it in the mainland.

The group was banned from holding its annual June 4 vigil last year and this year. Alliance leaders, including Lee Cheuk-yan, have been jailed for organising rallies without permission.

On September 9, police charged the group and three of its senior members, including Lee, with inciting subversion in violation of the national security law for Hong Kong, reported NHK World.

A total of 16 democrats and activists have so far been sentenced to jail or given suspended sentences for taking part in the unauthorised candlelight vigil in 2020, the first time it was banned under COVID-19 social gathering restrictions.

Representing the alliance, Richard Tsoi told reporters that he believes the group's basic belief has taken root in the hearts of the Hong Kong people.

The alliance had been a symbol of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement for more than 30 years. It is the latest of pro-democracy unions and other organizations to decide to fold, reported NHK World.

A Hong Kong pro-democracy group that used to organise the annual June 4 vigils for victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident has decided to disband amid intensifying government crackdown.

A Hong Kong pro-democracy group that used to organise the annual June 4 vigils for victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident has decided to disband amid intensifying government crackdown. The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China reached the decision at an emergency meeting on Saturday, reported NHK World. The group organises a candlelight vigil as a symbol of Hong Kong's enduring freedoms. The alliance was established in 1989 just before the Tiananmen Square incident with the goal of showing solidarity with student protesters. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people died when the People's Liberation Army was deployed to crackdown on protesters in Beijing, and the 1989 Tiananmen massacre sent shockwaves around the world. Masses of Hong Kong political figures signed petitions or published statements of condemnation.Over the years, however, many have risen in politics as pro-Beijing figures or taken government positions, growing more tight-lipped about China's political scar. The Communist Party has still yet to account for the incident and it suppresses all mention of it in the mainland. The group was banned from holding its annual June 4 vigil last year and this year. Alliance leaders, including Lee Cheuk-yan, have been jailed for organising rallies without permission. On September 9, police charged the group and three of its senior members, including Lee, with inciting subversion in violation of the national security law for Hong Kong, reported NHK World. A total of 16 democrats and activists have so far been sentenced to jail or given suspended sentences for taking part in the unauthorised candlelight vigil in 2020, the first time it was banned under COVID-19 social gathering restrictions. Representing the alliance, Richard Tsoi told reporters that he believes the group's basic belief has taken root in the hearts of the Hong Kong people. The alliance had been a symbol of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement for more than 30 years. It is the latest of pro-democracy unions and other organizations to decide to fold, reported NHK World.

Hong Kong pro-democracy organisers of June 4 vigil to disband amid government crackdown

To monitor its population even more closely, North Korea is placing surveillance cameras in schools and workplaces.

According to a report, North Korea is collecting fingerprints, photographs and other biometric information from its citizens to keep a record of the population.

The surveillance tools&nbsp;and equipment being used by North Korea are being imported from China. These surveillance tools and domestic software are shrinking the limited space for citizens to conduct private business, access foreign media, or express dissent.

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North Korea's ambitions for digital surveillance are hampered by its limitations. Undersupplied electricity and internet infrastructure, and a dependence on human intelligence gathering, make widespread digital monitoring difficult, according to a report by 38 North, a website specialising in North Korean affairs.

New laws and recent information on harsher penalties suggest that the government is cracking down on foreign influence and imported media, likely helped by fences and electronic monitoring systems installed on the border with China during the pandemic.

Martyn Williams, an analyst and co-author of the study with Natalia Slavney said, “Having seen that it’s possible to close the border this firmly, I think they are now devoted to keeping it that way.”

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“While in terms of broader surveillance across the country, the pandemic could have played a part, but I think a much bigger role has been played by the fast-reducing cost of surveillance equipment,” Williams said.

To understand North Korean surveillance, researchers analysed domestic and international media reports, reviewed publicly announced research from North Korean institutions, and interviewed 40 escapees.

Additionally, they partnered with unidentified sources to conduct a 2023 survey of 100 current residents via encrypted phone calls, texts, and other methods to guarantee their safety.

As per the state media reports, video surveillance is becoming very common at schools, workplaces and airports. All these surveillance cameras are mostly from China and range from basic video feeds to more advanced models that include features like face recognition.

Experts have warned that China is exporting the technology that powers its AI-powered surveillance to countries around the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inside-irans-attack-weapons-used-in-operation-truthful-promise-against-israel-712105">Inside Iran's attack: Weapons used in 'Operation Truthful Promise' against Israel</a>

Regardless of limitations like power shortages and existing human surveillance networks, North Korea seems to be building for a future with widespread video monitoring.&nbsp;

The report highlights research efforts at North Korean universities focused on movement detection, facial recognition, and license plate recognition technologies.&nbsp;

While they may not be fully utilising collected data yet, these developments suggest a future with more pervasive digital surveillance.

(With inputs from agencies)

To monitor its population even more closely, North Korea is placing surveillance cameras in schools and workplaces. According to a report, North Korea is collecting fingerprints, photographs and other biometric information from its citizens to keep a record of the population.

To monitor its population even more closely, North Korea is placing surveillance cameras in schools and workplaces. According to a report, North Korea is collecting fingerprints, photographs and other biometric information from its citizens to keep a record of the population. The surveillance tools and equipment being used by North Korea are being imported from China. These surveillance tools and domestic software are shrinking the limited space for citizens to conduct private business, access foreign media, or express dissent. Also read: US plans new sanctions against Iran, hopes allies will follow suit North Korea's ambitions for digital surveillance are hampered by its limitations. Undersupplied electricity and internet infrastructure, and a dependence on human intelligence gathering, make widespread digital monitoring difficult, according to a report by 38 North, a website specialising in North Korean affairs. New laws and recent information on harsher penalties suggest that the government is cracking down on foreign influence and imported media, likely helped by fences and electronic monitoring systems installed on the border with China during the pandemic. Martyn Williams, an analyst and co-author of the study with Natalia Slavney said, “Having seen that it’s possible to close the border this firmly, I think they are now devoted to keeping it that way.” Also read: First seven jurors selected in Trump's criminal hush money trial “While in terms of broader surveillance across the country, the pandemic could have played a part, but I think a much bigger role has been played by the fast-reducing cost of surveillance equipment,” Williams said. To understand North Korean surveillance, researchers analysed domestic and international media reports, reviewed publicly announced research from North Korean institutions, and interviewed 40 escapees. Additionally, they partnered with unidentified sources to conduct a 2023 survey of 100 current residents via encrypted phone calls, texts, and other methods to guarantee their safety. As per the state media reports, video surveillance is becoming very common at schools, workplaces and airports. All these surveillance cameras are mostly from China and range from basic video feeds to more advanced models that include features like face recognition. Experts have warned that China is exporting the technology that powers its AI-powered surveillance to countries around the world. Also read: Inside Iran's attack: Weapons used in 'Operation Truthful Promise' against Israel Regardless of limitations like power shortages and existing human surveillance networks, North Korea seems to be building for a future with widespread video monitoring. The report highlights research efforts at North Korean universities focused on movement detection, facial recognition, and license plate recognition technologies. While they may not be fully utilising collected data yet, these developments suggest a future with more pervasive digital surveillance. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil organiser disbands

As far as the trappings of a healthy democracy go, Hong Kong’s upcoming legislative election has them all.

Hundreds of politicians hand out leaflets in the tropical heat. Posters remind residents of voter registration deadlines. During a preliminary ballot Sunday, the government touted a record 90 per cent&nbsp;turnout rate.

All the ingredients are there — except one: any uncertainty about the outcome.

The legislative election, set for December, is the first since the Chinese government ordered sweeping changes to Hong Kong’s election system to ensure its favored candidates win. Some opposition groups have pledged to boycott in protest, and the largest of them, the Democratic Party, will decide this weekend whether to follow.

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But Hong Kong officials have warned that a boycott could violate the city’s expansive national security law. After all, an election doesn’t look valid if the opposition doesn’t show up.

Welcome to elections in Hong Kong now: not so much exercises in democracy as the vigorous performance of it.

“They want to continue to give the illusion that they respect the Basic Law,” said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a professor of Chinese politics at Hong Kong Baptist University. The law is Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, which promises the city, a former British colony, certain political rights under Chinese rule. “That’s the best way to legitimize their rule.”

Hong Kong’s elections have never been fully free, with rules that favored Beijing’s allies even before this spring’s overhaul. Even so, the opposition had long managed to win at least some influence on government policy, and polls had consistently shown that it had the majority of the public’s support. In late 2019, months of fierce anti-government protests helped fuel an unprecedented landslide victory by pro-democracy candidates in local elections.

The Chinese Communist Party was determined not to see a repeat. After imposing the security law last summer to crush the protests, it quickly followed up with election changes that allowed only government-approved “patriots” to hold office. In addition, the general public will now be allowed to choose just 20 of 90 legislators. Most of the rest will be chosen by the electors picked last Sunday — all but one aligned with the authorities.

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Yet the party, intent on preserving Hong Kong’s status as a global financial center, has fervently denied international accusations that it is reneging on the pledges it made upon Hong Kong’s return to China in 1997. Hence officials’ determination to make the elections look as credible as possible — even if that requires intimidating the opposition into running.

One senior official has suggested that boycotting the elections would be a statement of rebellion. Carrie Lam, the city’s chief executive, said last month that it would be “strange” for a party not to run.

“If there is a political party with many members, but it does not discuss or participate in politics, then we might need to question the value of its existence,” she told reporters.

The government has also made it illegal to encourage others to cast protest ballots.

Regardless of what the Democratic Party decides, this past Sunday’s preliminary vote has already offered a preview of what Hong Kong elections may look like in the future.

The purpose of the vote was to form an Election Committee, a group of 1,500 that under Beijing’s new rules will select many legislators as well as Hong Kong’s next top leader. According to the government, the committee is a diverse microcosm of Hong Kong society.

But fewer than 8,000 residents — 0.1% of the population — were eligible to vote in the Election Committee poll, all drawn from a list approved by Beijing.

All the candidates had to be screened by a government panel for loyalty. No major opposition groups fielded candidates, citing the futility given the hand-picked electorate. (In addition, many of the opposition’s leaders have been arrested, are in exile or have been disqualified from holding government posts.)

Even the few residents who did have a vote had limited say. Of the Election Committee’s 1,500 seats, three-quarters were uncontested or set aside for designated government allies.

None of that stopped officials from declaring the day a paragon of civic participation. “Hong Kong’s elections have always been known for being fair, open, just, clean and honest, and we take pride in that,” Lam said before polls opened.

At times, authorities’ dedication to the veneer of public engagement verged on absurdism.

The weekend before the Election Committee vote, the Central Liaison Office, Beijing’s official arm in Hong Kong, ordered the ranks of the city’s billionaire tycoons to staff street booths and extol the virtues of the new election system.

Virtually all the tycoons were running uncontested or guaranteed appointed seats on the committee, in keeping with Beijing’s tradition of political partnerships with the business elite. But the central government wanted residents to feel as if they had earned their positions, said Tam Yiu-Chung, a Hong Kong member of the Chinese legislature’s top committee.

“It was the liaison office that asked us to do this,” Tam said. “Even though we are guaranteed members, we still believe we should tell residents what expectations we have for ourselves, and let them understand us better.”

That was how Pansy Ho, the second-richest woman in Hong Kong, found herself hawking leaflets on a 92-degree day. Raymond Kwok, the billionaire chairman of one of Hong Kong’s largest developers, stayed only a few minutes, enough time to be photographed handing out flyers, before leaving.

Kennedy Wong, a lawyer and member of an advisory body to Beijing, lasted longer — about an hour and a half, he said — at a booth in the working-class neighborhood of North Point. Wong acknowledged that the success of the outreach was questionable.

“I didn’t receive questions on the street during my time there,” he said, adding that passersby either flashed signs of support or “walked past and ignored us.”

On the day of the election, officials touted a 90% turnout rate. Lam said it “reflected the support for the new electoral system.”

But that 90% was not calculated out of the total pool of roughly 8,000 eligible voters; it was of the number of voters in the few contested races. It represented 4,380 of 4,889 voters in that category casting ballots. There were more police deployed to guard polling stations — over 5,000 — than electors.

Still, those who voted professed to be unfazed. In an interview as she left the polling station, Chan Nga Yue said she considered the candidates representative because “many of them are people that we know.”

Even with the few ballots cast, vote counting proved troublesome. The first results were not announced until nine hours after polls closed — for a seat for which 82 votes had been cast. The full results were not finalized for an additional three hours. Officials cited staff errors.

Only one candidate who was not part of the pro-Beijing bloc won a seat. Officials said the victory of Tik Chi-yuen, a self-declared independent, proved that diverse voices were welcome.

But Tik’s election was, in part, pure luck: After tying with two other candidates, he prevailed in a random draw.

As far as the trappings of a healthy democracy go, Hong Kong’s upcoming legislative election has them all. Hundreds of politicians hand out leaflets in the tropical heat.

As far as the trappings of a healthy democracy go, Hong Kong’s upcoming legislative election has them all. Hundreds of politicians hand out leaflets in the tropical heat. Posters remind residents of voter registration deadlines. During a preliminary ballot Sunday, the government touted a record 90 per cent turnout rate. All the ingredients are there — except one: any uncertainty about the outcome. The legislative election, set for December, is the first since the Chinese government ordered sweeping changes to Hong Kong’s election system to ensure its favored candidates win. Some opposition groups have pledged to boycott in protest, and the largest of them, the Democratic Party, will decide this weekend whether to follow. Also read | Chinese clothing brand faces heat over inappropriate messages, anti-India depictions printed on kids' shirts But Hong Kong officials have warned that a boycott could violate the city’s expansive national security law. After all, an election doesn’t look valid if the opposition doesn’t show up. Welcome to elections in Hong Kong now: not so much exercises in democracy as the vigorous performance of it. “They want to continue to give the illusion that they respect the Basic Law,” said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a professor of Chinese politics at Hong Kong Baptist University. The law is Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, which promises the city, a former British colony, certain political rights under Chinese rule. “That’s the best way to legitimize their rule.” Hong Kong’s elections have never been fully free, with rules that favored Beijing’s allies even before this spring’s overhaul. Even so, the opposition had long managed to win at least some influence on government policy, and polls had consistently shown that it had the majority of the public’s support. In late 2019, months of fierce anti-government protests helped fuel an unprecedented landslide victory by pro-democracy candidates in local elections. The Chinese Communist Party was determined not to see a repeat. After imposing the security law last summer to crush the protests, it quickly followed up with election changes that allowed only government-approved “patriots” to hold office. In addition, the general public will now be allowed to choose just 20 of 90 legislators. Most of the rest will be chosen by the electors picked last Sunday — all but one aligned with the authorities. Also read | Iron curtain falls on Hong Kong cinema as censors demand cuts Yet the party, intent on preserving Hong Kong’s status as a global financial center, has fervently denied international accusations that it is reneging on the pledges it made upon Hong Kong’s return to China in 1997. Hence officials’ determination to make the elections look as credible as possible — even if that requires intimidating the opposition into running. One senior official has suggested that boycotting the elections would be a statement of rebellion. Carrie Lam, the city’s chief executive, said last month that it would be “strange” for a party not to run. “If there is a political party with many members, but it does not discuss or participate in politics, then we might need to question the value of its existence,” she told reporters. The government has also made it illegal to encourage others to cast protest ballots. Regardless of what the Democratic Party decides, this past Sunday’s preliminary vote has already offered a preview of what Hong Kong elections may look like in the future. The purpose of the vote was to form an Election Committee, a group of 1,500 that under Beijing’s new rules will select many legislators as well as Hong Kong’s next top leader. According to the government, the committee is a diverse microcosm of Hong Kong society. But fewer than 8,000 residents — 0.1% of the population — were eligible to vote in the Election Committee poll, all drawn from a list approved by Beijing. All the candidates had to be screened by a government panel for loyalty. No major opposition groups fielded candidates, citing the futility given the hand-picked electorate. (In addition, many of the opposition’s leaders have been arrested, are in exile or have been disqualified from holding government posts.) Even the few residents who did have a vote had limited say. Of the Election Committee’s 1,500 seats, three-quarters were uncontested or set aside for designated government allies. None of that stopped officials from declaring the day a paragon of civic participation. “Hong Kong’s elections have always been known for being fair, open, just, clean and honest, and we take pride in that,” Lam said before polls opened. At times, authorities’ dedication to the veneer of public engagement verged on absurdism. The weekend before the Election Committee vote, the Central Liaison Office, Beijing’s official arm in Hong Kong, ordered the ranks of the city’s billionaire tycoons to staff street booths and extol the virtues of the new election system. Virtually all the tycoons were running uncontested or guaranteed appointed seats on the committee, in keeping with Beijing’s tradition of political partnerships with the business elite. But the central government wanted residents to feel as if they had earned their positions, said Tam Yiu-Chung, a Hong Kong member of the Chinese legislature’s top committee. “It was the liaison office that asked us to do this,” Tam said. “Even though we are guaranteed members, we still believe we should tell residents what expectations we have for ourselves, and let them understand us better.” That was how Pansy Ho, the second-richest woman in Hong Kong, found herself hawking leaflets on a 92-degree day. Raymond Kwok, the billionaire chairman of one of Hong Kong’s largest developers, stayed only a few minutes, enough time to be photographed handing out flyers, before leaving. Kennedy Wong, a lawyer and member of an advisory body to Beijing, lasted longer — about an hour and a half, he said — at a booth in the working-class neighborhood of North Point. Wong acknowledged that the success of the outreach was questionable. “I didn’t receive questions on the street during my time there,” he said, adding that passersby either flashed signs of support or “walked past and ignored us.” On the day of the election, officials touted a 90% turnout rate. Lam said it “reflected the support for the new electoral system.” But that 90% was not calculated out of the total pool of roughly 8,000 eligible voters; it was of the number of voters in the few contested races. It represented 4,380 of 4,889 voters in that category casting ballots. There were more police deployed to guard polling stations — over 5,000 — than electors. Still, those who voted professed to be unfazed. In an interview as she left the polling station, Chan Nga Yue said she considered the candidates representative because “many of them are people that we know.” Even with the few ballots cast, vote counting proved troublesome. The first results were not announced until nine hours after polls closed — for a seat for which 82 votes had been cast. The full results were not finalized for an additional three hours. Officials cited staff errors. Only one candidate who was not part of the pro-Beijing bloc won a seat. Officials said the victory of Tik Chi-yuen, a self-declared independent, proved that diverse voices were welcome. But Tik’s election was, in part, pure luck: After tying with two other candidates, he prevailed in a random draw.

Hong Kong Is holding elections. It wants them to look real.

An election for Hong Kong's new Election Committee (EC) which only allowed "patriotic" candidates to run has concluded. The committee is responsible for choosing the city's next leader.

This is the first poll since sweeping reforms to its electoral system were passed. The number of registered voters was also slashed by almost 97 per cent , which means only 7,891 people were eligible to vote.

The electoral reform law passed in May was designed to weed out "non-patriots". Also, the EC was given new powerful responsibilities. It was allowed to nominate all candidates for LegCo - the city's parliament.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-set-to-launch-tianzhou-3-cargo-spacecraft-today-414426">Also read |&nbsp;China set to launch Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft today</a>

Under the law, the EC was also expanded by 300 members from 1,200 to 1,500.&nbsp;

Earlier, the critics had warned that the voting reforms were intended to eliminate all opposition from the city’s parliament. They further argue that the new voting system allows even fewer voices to be heard. 
&nbsp;

An election for Hong Kong's new Election Committee (EC) which only allowed "patriotic" candidates to run has concluded. The committee is responsible for choosing the city's next leader.

An election for Hong Kong's new Election Committee (EC) which only allowed "patriotic" candidates to run has concluded. The committee is responsible for choosing the city's next leader. This is the first poll since sweeping reforms to its electoral system were passed. The number of registered voters was also slashed by almost 97 per cent , which means only 7,891 people were eligible to vote. The electoral reform law passed in May was designed to weed out "non-patriots". Also, the EC was given new powerful responsibilities. It was allowed to nominate all candidates for LegCo - the city's parliament. Also read | China set to launch Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft today Under the law, the EC was also expanded by 300 members from 1,200 to 1,500. Earlier, the critics had warned that the voting reforms were intended to eliminate all opposition from the city’s parliament. They further argue that the new voting system allows even fewer voices to be heard.

Hong Kong sees patriots inducted into new election committee

Fears of contagion from the potential collapse of battered Chinese real estate giant Evergrande sent property shares plunging in&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;on Monday, with the firm expected to default on upcoming interest payments this week.

The firm, one of the country's biggest developers, is on the brink of collapse as it wallows in debts of more than $300 billion.&nbsp;

With the property sector accounting for more than a quarter of Chinese GDP, there are concerns of a spillover into the domestic and global economy.

The crisis has triggered rare protests outside the company's offices in several Chinese cities by investors and suppliers demanding their money, some of whom claim they are owed as much as $1 million.

Adding to the anger, it emerged at the weekend that six top executives would face "severe punishment" for redeeming financial products before telling retail investors that the firm could not pay them on time.

The firm said they&nbsp;must return the cash they redeemed "within a time limit", adding that its investment arm must "strictly follow the announced repayment plan to ensure fairness and impartiality".

The crisis sent shares in the firm diving around 17 percent Monday, leaving it down around 90 percent from the start of the year.

Other property firms were also in the firing line, with Henderson Land losing 13.2 percent and New World Development more than 12 percent. Sun Hung Kai Properties shed 10.3 percent. Sinic Holdings called a trading halt after its shares crashed 87 percent,&nbsp;wiping out $1.3 billion from chairman Zhang Yuanlin's wealth, leaving him with $250 million, according to Forbes.

Meanwhile, insurance giant Ping An fell nearly six percent. China Minsheng Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China were all down around three to six percent.

The dash for the exit left the Hang Seng Index down more than four percent.&nbsp;

Analysts say a lack of comment from Beijing and a holiday in China is only adding to the uncertainty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-companies-to-invest-15-bn-in-pakistans-petrochemical-sector-414254">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese companies to invest $15 bn in Pakistan's petrochemical sector</a>

Philip Tse, of BOCOM International Holdings, warned: "there will be further downside" unless leaders give a clear signal on Evergrande or ease up on their clampdown on the real estate sector.

Attention is now on the company's repayments, with interest due on bank loans Monday and two bonds on Thursday.&nbsp;

Debt mountain

However, one creditor quoted by Chinese financial outlet Caixin Global Monday estimated that there is a "99.99 percent" chance Evergrande will not be able to pay interest due in the third quarter.

As of the end of June, the property developer had total liabilities of almost 2 trillion yuan ($309 billion) -- roughly equivalent to two percent of China's GDP -- with an unknown amount of off-sheet debt.

The giant debt mountain helped drive Evergrande's voracious expansion, which started with a 1990s property boom and lasted until Beijing moved to trim leveraged growth in the sector by introducing curbs in 2020.

While predominantly a real estate firm, the group also embarked on an all-out diversification, buying football club Guangzhou FC, opening amusement parks, setting up Evergrande Spring mineral water, and also investing in tourism, digital operations, insurance, and health.

But it has come unstuck as Beijing cracked down on developers in a bid to force them to offload debt, introducing "three red lines" to curb leverage last year.&nbsp;

It introduced a ban on selling properties before they are completed -- a major part of Evergrande's business model.

'Tremendous pressure'

Experts say the firm has more than a million units pre-paid by customers yet to be built, adding to the sense of dread among Chinese investors, many of them first-time buyers.

The company last week admitted it is under "tremendous pressure" and may not be able to meet its liabilities. Its credit rating has been cut several times by rating agencies.

With access to lending markets now cut off and no money to complete developments and service its debts, the firm has been trying new ways to meet its responsibilities including offering parking spaces and unfinished properties.

At the weekend, financial products purveyor Evergrande Wealth announced that "payment via physical assets" had started with the offer of discounted properties.

Still, while Chinese leaders are looking to curb excessive risk-taking, there is a general belief they will work to prevent the issue from becoming unmanageable and driving a hole through the already stuttering economy.

"The central government's priority of social stability makes restructuring likely with haircuts for debt holders, but spillovers to other listed property developers mean there will likely be a real economic impact on the real estate sector," said National Australia Bank's Tapas Strickland.

"To what extent Evergrande slows the growth momentum remains unclear."

Fears of contagion from the potential collapse of battered Chinese real estate giant Evergrande sent property shares plunging in Hong Kong on Monday, with the firm expected to default on upcoming interest payments this week.

Fears of contagion from the potential collapse of battered Chinese real estate giant Evergrande sent property shares plunging in Hong Kong on Monday, with the firm expected to default on upcoming interest payments this week. The firm, one of the country's biggest developers, is on the brink of collapse as it wallows in debts of more than $300 billion. With the property sector accounting for more than a quarter of Chinese GDP, there are concerns of a spillover into the domestic and global economy. The crisis has triggered rare protests outside the company's offices in several Chinese cities by investors and suppliers demanding their money, some of whom claim they are owed as much as $1 million. Adding to the anger, it emerged at the weekend that six top executives would face "severe punishment" for redeeming financial products before telling retail investors that the firm could not pay them on time. The firm said they must return the cash they redeemed "within a time limit", adding that its investment arm must "strictly follow the announced repayment plan to ensure fairness and impartiality". The crisis sent shares in the firm diving around 17 percent Monday, leaving it down around 90 percent from the start of the year. Other property firms were also in the firing line, with Henderson Land losing 13.2 percent and New World Development more than 12 percent. Sun Hung Kai Properties shed 10.3 percent. Sinic Holdings called a trading halt after its shares crashed 87 percent, wiping out $1.3 billion from chairman Zhang Yuanlin's wealth, leaving him with $250 million, according to Forbes. Meanwhile, insurance giant Ping An fell nearly six percent. China Minsheng Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China were all down around three to six percent. The dash for the exit left the Hang Seng Index down more than four percent. Analysts say a lack of comment from Beijing and a holiday in China is only adding to the uncertainty. Also read | Chinese companies to invest $15 bn in Pakistan's petrochemical sector Philip Tse, of BOCOM International Holdings, warned: "there will be further downside" unless leaders give a clear signal on Evergrande or ease up on their clampdown on the real estate sector. Attention is now on the company's repayments, with interest due on bank loans Monday and two bonds on Thursday. Debt mountain However, one creditor quoted by Chinese financial outlet Caixin Global Monday estimated that there is a "99.99 percent" chance Evergrande will not be able to pay interest due in the third quarter. As of the end of June, the property developer had total liabilities of almost 2 trillion yuan ($309 billion) -- roughly equivalent to two percent of China's GDP -- with an unknown amount of off-sheet debt. The giant debt mountain helped drive Evergrande's voracious expansion, which started with a 1990s property boom and lasted until Beijing moved to trim leveraged growth in the sector by introducing curbs in 2020. While predominantly a real estate firm, the group also embarked on an all-out diversification, buying football club Guangzhou FC, opening amusement parks, setting up Evergrande Spring mineral water, and also investing in tourism, digital operations, insurance, and health. But it has come unstuck as Beijing cracked down on developers in a bid to force them to offload debt, introducing "three red lines" to curb leverage last year. It introduced a ban on selling properties before they are completed -- a major part of Evergrande's business model. 'Tremendous pressure' Experts say the firm has more than a million units pre-paid by customers yet to be built, adding to the sense of dread among Chinese investors, many of them first-time buyers. The company last week admitted it is under "tremendous pressure" and may not be able to meet its liabilities. Its credit rating has been cut several times by rating agencies. With access to lending markets now cut off and no money to complete developments and service its debts, the firm has been trying new ways to meet its responsibilities including offering parking spaces and unfinished properties. At the weekend, financial products purveyor Evergrande Wealth announced that "payment via physical assets" had started with the offer of discounted properties. Still, while Chinese leaders are looking to curb excessive risk-taking, there is a general belief they will work to prevent the issue from becoming unmanageable and driving a hole through the already stuttering economy. "The central government's priority of social stability makes restructuring likely with haircuts for debt holders, but spillovers to other listed property developers mean there will likely be a real economic impact on the real estate sector," said National Australia Bank's Tapas Strickland. "To what extent Evergrande slows the growth momentum remains unclear."

Evergrande contagion fears hit Hong Kong stocks, with default expected

The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions has decided to disband itself. This is amid growing security concerns.

Hong Kong's Confederation of Trade Unions decides to dissolve itself

Fewer than 5,000 people from mostly pro-establishment circles in Hong Kong began voting on Sunday. This polling vetted as loyal to Beijing will pick the city's next China-backed leader and some of its legislature.

Hong Kong's first 'patriots-only' polling kicks off

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took down a tweet in which he declared the US would "stand with the people of Hong Kong," accusing Beijing of undermining the city's long-term political stability.

He sent the statement after seven opposition district councillors in Hong Kong were disqualified this week after officials declared their oaths to be invalid.&nbsp;

On September 16, Blinken tweeted his disapproval in a direct manner. 
 
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On the same day, US State Department spokesman Ned Price tweeted the same message, which was also deleted.

A day later, Blinken sent a more moderate tweet, removing the US offer to stand with Hong Kong residents and the obvious exhortation to Beijing to listen to the voices of all Hong Kong residents.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The PRC’s disqualification of seven pro-democracy district councilors undermines the ability of people in Hong Kong to participate in their governance. Governments should serve the people they represent. Decreasing representation goes against the spirit of Hong Kong’s Basic Law.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1438615977680322563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took down a tweet in which he declared the US would "stand with the people of Hong Kong," accusing Beijing of undermining the city's long-term political stability.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took down a tweet in which he declared the US would "stand with the people of Hong Kong," accusing Beijing of undermining the city's long-term political stability. He sent the statement after seven opposition district councillors in Hong Kong were disqualified this week after officials declared their oaths to be invalid. On September 16, Blinken tweeted his disapproval in a direct manner. On the same day, US State Department spokesman Ned Price tweeted the same message, which was also deleted. A day later, Blinken sent a more moderate tweet, removing the US offer to stand with Hong Kong residents and the obvious exhortation to Beijing to listen to the voices of all Hong Kong residents. The PRC’s disqualification of seven pro-democracy district councilors undermines the ability of people in Hong Kong to participate in their governance. Governments should serve the people they represent. Decreasing representation goes against the spirit of Hong Kong’s Basic Law. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 16, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

'US would stand with people of Hong Kong', tweets Blinken; later deletes it

The 2022 Gay Games due to be held in Hong Kong will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus, a delay to Asia's inaugural hosting of an event that could raise hope in a region where intolerance is common, organisers said on Wednesday.

Hong Kong was to host the games in November next year but the global financial hub has some of the world's strictest coronavirus quarantine regulations as it aims to prevent any local cases of COVID-19 re-emerging.

The games, last held in Paris in 2018, have drawn some criticism from some in the city's pro-Beijing establishment wary of importing what they regard as non-Chinese values.

Dennis Philipse, co-chair of the organising team, said in a statement many parts of the world, including across Asia, were still struggling to contain the coronavirus and faced uneven access to vaccines.

"We felt that delaying the Games until November 2023 will enhance the likelihood of delivering on our promise to have the Hong Kong Games serve as a beacon of hope for the wider community across the region," Philipse said.

First held in 1982, the 2022 games were expected to draw 12,000 participants, 75,000 spectators and 3,000 volunteers from 100 countries for 36 sporting events, including Dragon Boat Racing, Dodgeball and eSports.

Junius Ho, a prominent pro-Beijing member of Hong Kong's assembly, said last month the games posed a threat to national security and the city should guard against "harmful culture".

Ho said the games were "disgraceful" and any revenue generated by them was "dirty money", drawing a rebuke from the city's Beijing-backed leader Carrie Lam, who warned against comments that could divide society and incite hatred.

Philipse said the controversy had distracted attention from the games' message of harmony.

"Recent attempts of a couple of lawmakers to politicise the games have distracted the media from the true mission of the games, an event open to all, focused on unity in diversity," he said.

Activists say Asia is falling behind in ensuring equal rights for its LGBT community and other minorities, with countries like Singapore still considering sex between men illegal and Taiwan the only place on the continent recognising gay marriage.

The 2022 Gay Games due to be held in Hong Kong will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus, a delay to Asia's inaugural hosting of an event that could raise hope in a region where intolerance is common, organisers said on Wednesday.

The 2022 Gay Games due to be held in Hong Kong will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus, a delay to Asia's inaugural hosting of an event that could raise hope in a region where intolerance is common, organisers said on Wednesday. Hong Kong was to host the games in November next year but the global financial hub has some of the world's strictest coronavirus quarantine regulations as it aims to prevent any local cases of COVID-19 re-emerging. The games, last held in Paris in 2018, have drawn some criticism from some in the city's pro-Beijing establishment wary of importing what they regard as non-Chinese values. Dennis Philipse, co-chair of the organising team, said in a statement many parts of the world, including across Asia, were still struggling to contain the coronavirus and faced uneven access to vaccines. "We felt that delaying the Games until November 2023 will enhance the likelihood of delivering on our promise to have the Hong Kong Games serve as a beacon of hope for the wider community across the region," Philipse said. First held in 1982, the 2022 games were expected to draw 12,000 participants, 75,000 spectators and 3,000 volunteers from 100 countries for 36 sporting events, including Dragon Boat Racing, Dodgeball and eSports. Junius Ho, a prominent pro-Beijing member of Hong Kong's assembly, said last month the games posed a threat to national security and the city should guard against "harmful culture". Ho said the games were "disgraceful" and any revenue generated by them was "dirty money", drawing a rebuke from the city's Beijing-backed leader Carrie Lam, who warned against comments that could divide society and incite hatred. Philipse said the controversy had distracted attention from the games' message of harmony. "Recent attempts of a couple of lawmakers to politicise the games have distracted the media from the true mission of the games, an event open to all, focused on unity in diversity," he said. Activists say Asia is falling behind in ensuring equal rights for its LGBT community and other minorities, with countries like Singapore still considering sex between men illegal and Taiwan the only place on the continent recognising gay marriage.

Hong Kong 2022 Gay Games postponed amid COVID-19 travel restrictions

On Wednesday, nine Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were sentenced to between six and 10 months in prison for their role in an unauthorised assembly at last year's vigil for the victims of China's 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on protesters.

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Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, holds the largest June 4 vigil in the world every year. However, the police banned the last two vigils due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several activists saw the ban as an attempt to shut down any display of defiance to Beijing. The authorities in Hong Kong denied that it was the reason.&nbsp;

"The defendants ignored and belittled a genuine public health crisis," District Court Judge Amanda Woodcock said.

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"They wrongly and arrogantly believed their common purpose was more important than protecting the community or the public’s right to protection from a serious health risk."

Three other activists received suspended sentences.

Alliance leader and veteran vigil organiser Albert Ho, along with 11 others, had pleaded guilty.&nbsp;

Alliance leaders Albert Ho, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang Tung were charged last week with inciting subversion. Ho and Lee are already in jail for their role in the protests in 2019. Chow was denied bail.

Last week, police raided the premises of the closed June 4th museum dedicated to the Tiananmen victims.

(With inputs from Agencies)

On Wednesday, nine Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were sentenced to between six and 10 months in prison for their role in an unauthorised assembly at last year's vigil for the victims of China's 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on protesters.

On Wednesday, nine Hong Kong pro-democracy activists were sentenced to between six and 10 months in prison for their role in an unauthorised assembly at last year's vigil for the victims of China's 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on protesters. ALSO READ: North Korea fires two ballistic missiles, says South Korean military Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, holds the largest June 4 vigil in the world every year. However, the police banned the last two vigils due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several activists saw the ban as an attempt to shut down any display of defiance to Beijing. The authorities in Hong Kong denied that it was the reason. "The defendants ignored and belittled a genuine public health crisis," District Court Judge Amanda Woodcock said. ALSO READ: Biden says Xi Jinping did not turn down meeting offer "They wrongly and arrogantly believed their common purpose was more important than protecting the community or the public’s right to protection from a serious health risk." Three other activists received suspended sentences. Alliance leader and veteran vigil organiser Albert Ho, along with 11 others, had pleaded guilty. Alliance leaders Albert Ho, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang Tung were charged last week with inciting subversion. Ho and Lee are already in jail for their role in the protests in 2019. Chow was denied bail. Last week, police raided the premises of the closed June 4th museum dedicated to the Tiananmen victims. (With inputs from Agencies)

Nine Hong Kong activists sentenced to prison for unauthorised Tiananmen vigil

Hong Kong football coach Matt Holland speaks to WION's sports editor, Digvijay Singh Deo on UEFA Champions League.

Hong Kong football coach Matt Holland speaks to WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo

Fishermen of Tai O community fear for their life in Hong Kong after devastating typhoons hit the community.

Fishermen in Hong Kong fear for their life after devastating typhoons

Hong Kong police have charged the group that organises the city’s annual Tiananmen candlelight vigil and three of its leaders with subversion under the national security law, amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent.

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China has said that the group, its chairman, Lee Cheuk-yan, as well as vice-chairs Albert Ho and Chow Hang-tung were charged late on Thursday with “inciting subversion of state power”.

This was done under the national security law Beijing imposed more than a year ago.

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Lee and Ho are already serving jail terms for their roles in protests in 2019. Chow and four others who were arrested this week were also charged with failing to comply with the requirement to provide information for a national security investigation.

The charges follow police also raiding the closed June 4th museum, which was run by the alliance to commemorate the bloody

Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing on 4 June 1989.

As per the police, 2.2 million Hong Kong dollars worth of assets belonging to the alliance were also frozen. 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong police have charged the group that organises the city’s annual Tiananmen candlelight vigil and three of its leaders with subversion under the national security law, amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent.

Hong Kong police have charged the group that organises the city’s annual Tiananmen candlelight vigil and three of its leaders with subversion under the national security law, amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent. The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China has said that the group, its chairman, Lee Cheuk-yan, as well as vice-chairs Albert Ho and Chow Hang-tung were charged late on Thursday with “inciting subversion of state power”. This was done under the national security law Beijing imposed more than a year ago. Also read | Hurricane Olaf weakens over Mexico's Baja California peninsula Lee and Ho are already serving jail terms for their roles in protests in 2019. Chow and four others who were arrested this week were also charged with failing to comply with the requirement to provide information for a national security investigation. The charges follow police also raiding the closed June 4th museum, which was run by the alliance to commemorate the bloody Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing on 4 June 1989. As per the police, 2.2 million Hong Kong dollars worth of assets belonging to the alliance were also frozen.

Tiananmen vigil organisers charged with inciting subversion

Three leaders of a group behind Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil were charged Thursday with inciting subversion following an earlier police raid at the museum the group ran commemorating Beijing's deadly crackdown in 1989.

The city's police charged Hong Kong Alliance as an organisation, its chairperson Lee Cheuk-yan, vice-chairman Albert Ho — both veteran pro-democracy activists who have been jailed — and vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung, who was arrested on Wednesday, of "incitement to subversion", according to the group.

The alliance, officially named the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, is the latest target of a sweeping national security law that Beijing imposed on the city last year to quash dissent after huge and often violent democracy protests.

On Thursday afternoon, officers from the newly created national security unit were seen carting away documents and exhibits from the now-shuttered June 4 museum which is run by the group.

The items included a giant logo of the museum, a paper model of the Goddess of Democracy —&nbsp;a symbol of the 1989 pro-democracy student movement in Beijing — and photos of the huge annual candlelight vigils Hong Kongers hosted for Tiananmen's victims, as well as dozens of boxes of materials.

The museum raid followed security police's arrests of Chow and three other leaders of the alliance. A fifth member of the group was arrested Thursday.

They were initially arrested for "failing to comply with notice to provide information" — an offence that carries six months in prison if convicted.

However, the force later added an allegation against Chow and charged her with incitement to subversion —&nbsp;an offence with a maximum penalty of ten years in jail -- along with Lee and Ho.

They will appear in court on Friday morning for the hearing.

Hong Kong police confirmed the charges Thursday, and added in a statement they had frozen HK$2.2 million in assets belonging to the alliance.

'Foreign agent'

Last month, police ordered the group to hand over financial and operational details, accusing it of working as a "foreign agent".

The request included the personal details of all members since its founding in 1989, all meeting minutes, financial records and any exchanges with other NGOs advocating democracy and human rights in China.

But alliance members have refused, calling the request illegal and arbitrary.

The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the arrests were "politically motivated" and constituted a "blatant abuse" of the law by those in power.

"Hong Kong authorities must end ongoing threats against civil society and individuals with differing political viewpoints," Blinken said on Twitter.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong hit back at the US criticism on Thursday, asking Washington to stop attacking the national security law and refrain from interfering in the city's affairs.

Many members of the alliance are already in jail on national security charges or other protest-related offences.

'Truth to power'&nbsp;

Thursday's raid came on the same day 12 democracy activists, including the alliance's jailed vice-chairman Ho, pleaded guilty to unauthorised assembly charges over the Tiananmen vigil in 2020, the first one banned by authorities since 1990.

In his mitigation speech, Ho said he rejected the accusation that they are foreign agents, saying the alliance was formed by local democratic groups supporting democracy protesters in Beijing.

They were "driven by our consciences" to "remember the lesson of history speaking truth to power," he said, explaining why it was important for Hong Kongers to continue remembering Tiananmen.

The vigils were once one of the most visible symbols of the city's political plurality but have been banned over the last two years.

China is rapidly remoulding Hong Kong in its own authoritarian image.

Dozens of democracy figures have been arrested on national security charges and an official campaign has been launched to purge the city of anyone deemed "unpatriotic".

Yeung Sum, a former lawmaker and one of the 12 democracy activists who pleaded guilty Thursday, said Hong Kong would continue to fight for democracy.

"The June 4 candlelight vigil may be banned forever... but the flowers of liberty will blossom regardless of the storm. Hong Kong people will continue to seek our way to democracy and freedom."&nbsp;

Three leaders of a group behind Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil were charged Thursday with inciting subversion following an earlier police raid at the museum the group ran commemorating Beijing's deadly crackdown in 1989.

Three leaders of a group behind Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil were charged Thursday with inciting subversion following an earlier police raid at the museum the group ran commemorating Beijing's deadly crackdown in 1989. The city's police charged Hong Kong Alliance as an organisation, its chairperson Lee Cheuk-yan, vice-chairman Albert Ho — both veteran pro-democracy activists who have been jailed — and vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung, who was arrested on Wednesday, of "incitement to subversion", according to the group. The alliance, officially named the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, is the latest target of a sweeping national security law that Beijing imposed on the city last year to quash dissent after huge and often violent democracy protests. On Thursday afternoon, officers from the newly created national security unit were seen carting away documents and exhibits from the now-shuttered June 4 museum which is run by the group. The items included a giant logo of the museum, a paper model of the Goddess of Democracy — a symbol of the 1989 pro-democracy student movement in Beijing — and photos of the huge annual candlelight vigils Hong Kongers hosted for Tiananmen's victims, as well as dozens of boxes of materials. The museum raid followed security police's arrests of Chow and three other leaders of the alliance. A fifth member of the group was arrested Thursday. They were initially arrested for "failing to comply with notice to provide information" — an offence that carries six months in prison if convicted. However, the force later added an allegation against Chow and charged her with incitement to subversion — an offence with a maximum penalty of ten years in jail -- along with Lee and Ho. They will appear in court on Friday morning for the hearing. Hong Kong police confirmed the charges Thursday, and added in a statement they had frozen HK$2.2 million in assets belonging to the alliance. 'Foreign agent' Last month, police ordered the group to hand over financial and operational details, accusing it of working as a "foreign agent". The request included the personal details of all members since its founding in 1989, all meeting minutes, financial records and any exchanges with other NGOs advocating democracy and human rights in China. But alliance members have refused, calling the request illegal and arbitrary. The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the arrests were "politically motivated" and constituted a "blatant abuse" of the law by those in power. "Hong Kong authorities must end ongoing threats against civil society and individuals with differing political viewpoints," Blinken said on Twitter. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong hit back at the US criticism on Thursday, asking Washington to stop attacking the national security law and refrain from interfering in the city's affairs. Many members of the alliance are already in jail on national security charges or other protest-related offences. 'Truth to power' Thursday's raid came on the same day 12 democracy activists, including the alliance's jailed vice-chairman Ho, pleaded guilty to unauthorised assembly charges over the Tiananmen vigil in 2020, the first one banned by authorities since 1990. In his mitigation speech, Ho said he rejected the accusation that they are foreign agents, saying the alliance was formed by local democratic groups supporting democracy protesters in Beijing. They were "driven by our consciences" to "remember the lesson of history speaking truth to power," he said, explaining why it was important for Hong Kongers to continue remembering Tiananmen. The vigils were once one of the most visible symbols of the city's political plurality but have been banned over the last two years. China is rapidly remoulding Hong Kong in its own authoritarian image. Dozens of democracy figures have been arrested on national security charges and an official campaign has been launched to purge the city of anyone deemed "unpatriotic". Yeung Sum, a former lawmaker and one of the 12 democracy activists who pleaded guilty Thursday, said Hong Kong would continue to fight for democracy. "The June 4 candlelight vigil may be banned forever... but the flowers of liberty will blossom regardless of the storm. Hong Kong people will continue to seek our way to democracy and freedom."

Hong Kong Tiananmen vigil leaders charged with 'inciting subversion'

The group behind the annual Tiananmen Square memorial vigil in Hong Kong on Sunday said that it will not cooperate with police conducting a national security investigation into the group’s activities, as they termed it as an abuse of power.

The police notified the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China last month that it was under investigation for working for foreign interests, an accusation that it had denied.

Chow Han Tung, vice chairwoman of the alliance, at a news conference said, "This is a really bad precedent of the national security (police) abusing the power by arbitrarily labelling any civil organisation as a foreign agent".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-heads-to-qatar-amid-unfolding-afghan-situation-410984">Also read |&nbsp;Blinken heads to Qatar amid unfolding Afghan situation</a>

“The alliance strongly denies that we are any foreign agents,” Chow said. “We are an organisation that was founded during the 1989 democratic movement, it was founded by the Hong Kong people.”

The investigation comes as a part of a broad crackdown on Hong Kong civil society following mass pro-democracy protests in 2019.&nbsp;

Authorities have tightened control over the city with a sweeping national security law imposed by China’s ruling Communist Party that effectively criminalised opposition to the government.&nbsp;

The law and other changes have forced several civil organisations to disband or seen their leaders arrested.

The group behind the annual Tiananmen Square memorial vigil in Hong Kong on Sunday said that it will not cooperate with police conducting a national security investigation into the group’s activities, as they termed it as an abuse of power.

The group behind the annual Tiananmen Square memorial vigil in Hong Kong on Sunday said that it will not cooperate with police conducting a national security investigation into the group’s activities, as they termed it as an abuse of power. The police notified the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China last month that it was under investigation for working for foreign interests, an accusation that it had denied. Chow Han Tung, vice chairwoman of the alliance, at a news conference said, "This is a really bad precedent of the national security (police) abusing the power by arbitrarily labelling any civil organisation as a foreign agent". Also read | Blinken heads to Qatar amid unfolding Afghan situation “The alliance strongly denies that we are any foreign agents,” Chow said. “We are an organisation that was founded during the 1989 democratic movement, it was founded by the Hong Kong people.” The investigation comes as a part of a broad crackdown on Hong Kong civil society following mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. Authorities have tightened control over the city with a sweeping national security law imposed by China’s ruling Communist Party that effectively criminalised opposition to the government. The law and other changes have forced several civil organisations to disband or seen their leaders arrested.

Group behind Hong Kong’s Tiananmen vigil denies foreign ties

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